Beverage Holder Having a Chip Unit for Performing Payment Transactions

ABSTRACT

A beverage holder apparatus includes a chip unit attached to a beverage holder and adapted to communicate with a chip unit reader to perform a payment transaction to purchase the beverage. The chip unit stores an account identifier associated with a financial account, and transmits the stored account identifier to the chip unit reader to perform the payment transaction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. Nos. 61/109,795 filed on Oct. 30,2008 and 61/153,578 filed on Feb. 18, 2009, all of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to payment transactions using a smartchip, and more particularly to a beverage holder having a chip unit forperforming payment transactions to pay for the beverage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Consumers are constantly seeking faster methods of paying for purchases.This is especially true for beverage purchases such as coffee purchasesat a coffee shop. A typical beverage purchase at a coffee shop requiresa consumer to place an order, wait for the order, and pay for thebeverage. Conventionally, the customer withdraws cash from his pocket orwallet, or retrieves a credit or debit card, for presentation to acashier. Even if the consumer is only purchasing a beverage from amerchant that offers both food and beverages, he often must wait in aline to place and pay for the order. In some locations, there is a lineto place an order and a separate line to pay for the order.

Certain coffee shops and convenience stores allow, and often encourage,a consumer to purchase a beverage container that he can refill himselfor is refilled by the merchant. This is desirable because the merchantcan save money on the cost of cups while at the same time can beenvironmentally sensitive. However, a consumer that purchases arefillable container still must present that container and proceedthrough the same inconvenient steps of placing and paying for theirorder by withdrawing cash or a payment card from his pocket or wallet.

It would, therefore, be desirable to allow a consumer to expedite his orher beverage purchase in an ecologically-friendly manner.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating andexpediting the purchase of beverages. In one aspect of the presentinvention, a beverage holder apparatus is provided including theunderlying beverage holder and a chip unit attached to the holder andadapted to communicate with a chip unit reader to perform a paymenttransaction to pay for the beverage. The chip unit stores an accountidentifier associated with a financial account, and transmits the storedaccount identifier to the chip unit reader to perform the paymenttransaction.

In another aspect of the present invention, a beverage holder apparatusincludes the underlying beverage holder, and a chip unit attached to theholder and including a memory, an interface and a controller. The memoryis provided for storing at least an account identifier associated with afinancial instrument.

The interface communicates with a chip unit reader, and the controlleris coupled to the memory and the interface and is adapted to transmitthe stored account identifier to the chip unit reader through theinterface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a beverage holder apparatus incorporating a chipunit according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a chip unit attached to the beverage holderapparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a merchant computer connected to a chipunit reader according to a system and method of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a network for performing a transactionaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a process flow diagram of a chip unit reader and merchantcomputer communicating with a chip unit for configuring a beverageholder apparatus according to one embodiment of a system and method ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5B is a process flow diagram of a chip unit reader and merchantcomputer communicating with a chip unit for configuring a beverageholder apparatus according to another embodiment of a system and methodof the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a process flow diagram of a chip unit reader and merchantcomputer communicating with a chip unit for purchasing a beverage usinga beverage holder apparatus according to one embodiment of a system andmethod of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a process flow diagram of a chip unit reader and merchantcomputer communicating with a chip unit for purchasing a beverage usinga beverage holder apparatus according to another embodiment of a systemand method of the present invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are illustrations of an accessory band incorporating achip unit for attachment to a beverage holder according to anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are illustrations of an accessory base incorporating achip unit for attachment to a beverage holder according to a furtherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is an illustration of a beverage holder apparatus according toan embodiment of the present invention including an integrated display;

FIG. 9B is a block diagram depicting connectivity between the display,the chip unit and a switch in the beverage holder apparatus of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a chip unit for use with a beverage holderapparatus or accessory for a beverage holder apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a beverage holder apparatus according toan additional embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an embodiment of an accessory band forattachment to a beverage holder apparatus according to the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a beverage holder apparatus 20 includes theunderlying holder 22 such as a travel mug, and a chip unit 24 attachedto the holder 22. The chip unit 24 can be permanently or removablyattached to the holder on a portion of the body, base, handle or otherconvenient location. In certain embodiments, the chip unit 24 isattached to the holder at a location that facilitates its communicationwith a chip unit reader to perform a payment transaction to pay for thebeverage contained in the holder 22. For example, the chip unit 24 canbe positioned proximate the base of the beverage holder 22. Accordingly,when a customer places the beverage holder apparatus 20 upon a surfacehaving a chip unit reader below such surface, near-range communicationwith the chip unit 24 is facilitated to carry out a transaction topurchase the beverage contained in the beverage holder apparatus 20. Inadditional embodiments, the beverage holder apparatus 20 may alsoinclude a bar code 25 that can facilitate setup of the beverage holderapparatus 20 at the point-of-sale.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a chip unit 24 that is adapted tocommunicate with a chip unit reader for payment of the beverage. Ingeneral, chip unit 24 includes a memory 26, an interface 28, and antenna29 and a controller 30. The memory 26 commonly includes both volatile(RAM) and non-volatile (ROM) memory units, and stores one or moresoftware or firmware programs in a program storage portion 32 and storesdata in a data storage portion 34.

Data storage portion 34 includes an account identifier such as a uniqueidentification code 35 associated with the chip unit 24 and a securitypassword 37. In certain embodiments the data storage portion 34 mayinclude one or more of financial account data 36, available fund data38, customer electronic address data 40 and consumer preference data 42.

Program storage portion 32 can include an access module 44 executable bythe controller for permitting and controlling the flow of data to andfrom the interface. The access module 44 includes a “wake up” function,and controls the transmission of data from the memory 26, such as theaccount identifier 35, to the chip unit reader through the interface 28and antenna 29.

Program storage portion 32 further may include a setup module 46executable by the controller 30 for carrying out setup functionsassociated with the initial purchase of the beverage holder apparatus20, storing, deleting or modifying the available fund data 38, financialaccount data 36, customer electronic address data 40 and/or consumerpreference data 42.

Program storage portion 32 also may includes a transaction managementmodule 48 executable by the controller 30 for carrying out transactionprocesses associated with beverage purchases, such as providingfinancial account data 36 to the chip unit reader via the interface 28and the antenna 29.

In general, while described above with respect to FIG. 2, it is to beappreciated by one skilled in the art that the chip unit can be anysuitable chip unit capable of being attached to a beverage holder andstoring requisite information to complete a purchase transaction. Forinstance, the chip unit can be a contactless radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag having memory 26. The RFID tag may be any typeof RFID tag including an inductive tag, a battery operated tag, or acapacitively coupled tag.

A merchant can provide a chip unit reader that is capable of interactingwith a single type of chip unit or various types of chip units. Ingeneral, the reader includes an antenna, which may be positioned at ornear the point-of-sale. The antenna emits an infrared beam, a magneticfield and/or radio frequencies (depending upon which type of chip unitis used), for example, which activate and communicate with the chipunit. The activated chip unit sends the account identifier to thereader, which communicates the information to the merchant computer. Oneof skill in the art will also appreciate that the reader may also beconfigured to write data to the chip unit.

An exemplary block diagram of a merchant computer 50 adapted to interactwith a chip unit 24 via a chip unit reader 51 is shown in FIG. 3.Merchant computer 50 includes a processor 52, such as a centralprocessing unit, an input/output interface 54 and support circuitry 56.The merchant computer 50 can also include a display 58 and an inputdevice 60 such as a keyboard, mouse, pointer and/or handheld scanner arealso provided. The display 58, input device 60, processor 52,input/output interface 54 and support circuitry 56 are shown connectedto a bus 61 which also connects to a memory 62. Memory 62 includesprogram storage memory 64 and data storage memory 66. Note that whilecomputer 50 is depicted with direct human interface components display58 and input device 60, programming of modules and importation andexportation of data can also be accomplished over the interface 54, forinstance, in which the computer 50 is connected to a network and theprogramming and display operations occur on another associated computer.

Program storage memory 64 and data storage memory 66 can each comprisevolatile (RAM) and non-volatile (ROM) memory units and can also comprisehard disk and backup storage capacity, and both program storage memory64 and data storage memory 66 can be embodied in a single memory deviceor separated in plural memory devices. Program storage memory 64 storessoftware program modules and associated data. Data storage memory 66stores user-generated data and/or data generated by the one or moremodules. For instance, program storage memory 64 can include one or moreof a point-of-sale setup module 68, a purchasing module 70, an accountidentifier cross-referencing module 72 and a financial facilitatormodule 74. Data storage memory 66 can include a beverage holderinventory data 76, a listing 78 including account identifier data andassociated financial instruments for a plurality of account identifiersin use by customers, customer contact data 80 and customer loyalty data82.

Merchant computer 50 preferably supports an operating system, forexample, stored in program storage memory 64 and executed by theprocessor 52 from volatile memory. According to an embodiment of theinvention, the operating system contains instructions for interfacingthe computer 50 to the chip unit reader 52 and to a plurality ofbeverage holder apparatus 20 via their respective chip units 24.

FIG. 4 is a system 98 including the beverage holder apparatus 20 incommunication with a chip unit reader 51, a merchant computer 50 incommunication with the chip unit reader 51, and alternate paymentsystems in communication with the merchant computer 50. In particular,when the customer's chip unit 24 includes an account identifierassociated with an open-loop payment system, the payment system includesa transaction processing facilitator 90, such as Visa®, in communicationwith an issuer 92 of the financial account associated with the accountidentifier. Alternatively, when the customer's chip unit 24 includes anaccount identifier associated with a closed-loop payment system, thepayment system includes an issuer 94 without involving an open paymentauthorization system. In additional alternative embodiments (not shown),value can be associated with the chip unit 24, either by storing valuein memory of the chip unit or by associating the chip unit with a storedvalue account at the merchant computer or a computer networked to themerchant computer, such that when a customer purchases a beverage, valueis deducted from the chip unit or account associated with the chip unit.

FIG. 5A is a process flow diagram of steps performed to configure a chipunit 24, e.g., after initial purchase of a beverage holder apparatus, abeverage holder accessory or a replacement chip unit. This process canalso be used to reload available funds or stored value on apreviously-purchased chip unit, or to modify the associated data, e.g.,change a financial account that is charged or debited when the chip unitis used to make a purchase. The process of FIG. 5A is particularlysuited for configuring a chip unit 24 in which specific financialaccount data is not stored in the memory of the chip unit itself, butrather an account identifier (e.g., chip unit identification code)associated with financial account data at the merchant computer.

Process steps 201 are generally performed by the merchant computer 50,e.g., under control of the setup module 68, and the chip unit reader 51,and process steps 251 are generally performed by the chip unit 24, e.g.,under control of the access module 44 and setup module 46 of the chipunit program storage memory 32. In general, to commence any processusing the chip unit, a communication between the reader 51 and the chipunit 24 is established. In particular, steps are carried out in order to“wake up” the chip unit and ensure proper encryption between the chipunit and the merchant computer (via the chip unit reader). While processsteps 202, 204, 252 and 254 are illustrated to performed this initial“wake up” and encryption, additional or alternative steps can occur tocarry out these functions. As indicated at process step 202, the chipunit reader transmits a “wake-up” code to the chip unit, and the chipunit responds 252. A data request is transmitted to the chip unitincluding a decryption password at process step 204. The memory of thechip unit is accessed to determine whether the password is valid at step254, e.g., by comparison to the security password 37 of data storagememory 34 in the chip unit. Note that if the password is invalid, or thechip unit “wake up” function cannot be performed, the transaction endsand the customer can be notified by an alert signal from the reader, themerchant computer, or an individual at the store.

Once a valid and encrypted communication is established between the chipunit reader and the chip unit, the merchant computer 50 retrieves thechip unit identification code 35 from the data storage memory 34 of thechip unit 24, as indicated at steps 206 and 256. This accountidentification code is then associated with financial account data, asindicated at step 208, and stored in listing 78 of data storage memory66 of computer 50. This financial account data can be presented by acustomer at setup via a financial presentation device such as creditcard, debit card, prepaid card, electronic benefit card, charge card,virtual card, smart card, key chain device, personal digital assistant,cell phone, or a stored value device.

The financial account data in listing 78 includes, at minimum, thenecessary information to conduct a purchase transaction such as the nameon the account, the account number and the expiration date. Otherinformation can also be included such as “track 1” and “track 2” datathat is commonly stored on the financial presentation device. Insituations in which the beverage holder apparatus, accessory orreplacement chip are purchased using the financial presentation deviceat the time of setup, authorization by the open-loop or closed-looppayment system can be sufficient to verify the financial presentationdevice. In other embodiments, in which the financial presentation deviceis not used to purchase the beverage holder apparatus, accessory orreplacement chip (e.g., they were previously provided to the customer asa gift, or the customer purchases the beverage holder apparatus,accessory or replacement chip using cash or a financial presentationdevice other than that used for association with the accountidentifier), a verification transaction can be conducted to ensure thatthe financial presentation device is valid.

In alternative embodiments, the financial account data can be based onstored value account that is prepaid at the time of setup. In this case,the amount of prepayment will be applied to the customer's account andstored in the merchant computer, e.g., at listing 78 of data storagememory 66 in computer 50.

In addition, optional data can also be stored in data storage memory 66and associated with the account identifier, including customerelectronic address data 80 (e.g., an email address that is used totransmit an electronic receipt for purchases) as indicated at step 210,customer preference data 82 as indicated at step 212, and customerloyalty data 84 as indicated at step 214.

FIG. 5B is a process flow diagram of steps performed to configure a chipunit 24 particularly suited for configuring a chip unit 24 in whichspecific financial account data is stored in the memory of the chipunit. Process steps 221 are generally performed by the merchant computer50, e.g., under control of the setup module 68, and the chip unit reader51, and process steps 271 are generally performed by the chip unit 24,e.g., under control of the access module 44 and setup module 46 of thechip unit program storage memory 32. In general, the same steps or asuitable alternative as described with respect to FIG. 5A are executedin order to “wake up” and ensure proper encryption between the chip unitand the merchant computer (via the chip unit reader).

Once a valid and encrypted communication is established between the chipunit reader and the chip unit, the merchant computer 50 retrieves thechip unit identification code 35 from the data storage memory 34 of thechip unit 24, as indicated at steps 206 and 256. The financial accountdata is then transmitted to the chip unit 24, as indicated at step 224,and stored in the financial instrument data 36 portion of data storagememory 34 in the chip unit 24. This financial account data can bepresented by a customer at setup via a financial presentation devicesuch as credit card, debit card, prepaid card, electronic benefit card,charge card, virtual card, smart card, key chain device, personaldigital assistant, cell phone, or a stored value device. The financialaccount data stored in portion 36 includes, at minimum, the necessaryinformation to conduct a purchase transaction such as the name on theaccount, the account number and the expiration date. Other informationcan also be included such as “track 1” and “track 2” data that iscommonly stored on the financial presentation device.

In alternative embodiments, the financial account data can be based onstored value account that is prepaid at the time of setup. In this case,the amount of prepayment will be applied to the customer's account andstored in the chip unit 24, e.g., as available fund data 38 in datastorage memory 34.

In addition, optional data can also be stored in data storage memory 34,including customer electronic address data 40 as indicated at steps 226and 276, customer's beverage preference data 42 (e.g., strength of brewfor coffee) as indicated at steps 228 and 278, and customer loyalty data43 as indicated at steps 230 and 280.

Upon configuration of a beverage holder apparatus, accessory including achip unit for attachment to a beverage holder, or a chip unit forinsertion into a beverage holder apparatus or accessory for attachmentto a beverage holder, the customer is now able to pay for beveragepurchases using the account identifier stored on the memory of the chipunit. The account identifier is any code or symbol that can be used toidentify a financial account from which payment is made. The accountidentifier can be a financial account number used in an open-loop orclosed-loop payment system, or a stored value account number that isstored on the chip or the merchant computer indicating an amount ofavailable funds for purchase. In certain embodiments, the accountidentifier is a chip unit identification code that is used by themerchant computer, i.e., to look up a financial account number or astored value account number that is maintained in memory of the merchantcomputer or another computer networked to the merchant computer.

In order to further facilitate setup and configuration of the beverageholder apparatus, accessory including a chip unit for attachment to abeverage holder, or a chip unit for insertion into a beverage holderapparatus or accessory for attachment to a beverage holder, a bar codecan be used by a retailer to activate the chip unit account identifierat the time of purchase.

For instance, a beverage holder apparatus having a bar code and anotational value indicated on its packaging or label can be displayed bya merchant (which can be the same or different as the merchant thatsells the beverages). The bar code can be associated with the accountidentifier stored on the chip unit during the manufacturing stage of thebeverage holder apparatus. The prepaid beverage holder apparatus can besold by a merchant and activated at the merchant's point-of-sale. Thechip unit contains stored in memory an account identifier associatedwith financial account data, for instance, similar to a prepaid giftcard. Accordingly, the beverage holder apparatus is scanned atpoint-of-sale and the associated financial account data is activatedwhen the consumer purchases the beverage holder apparatus. Thepoint-of-sale setup module 68 can activate the chip unit by transmittinga message to the issuer/processor of the financial account to provisionthe account with a prepaid balance of the notational value, or any othervalue that the consumer desires to add to the financial account. The barcode thus enables faster, simpler, and more automated activation. Inaddition, if the user desires to reload the chip unit, the bar code canbe used, instead of requiring use of a chip unit reader or requiring theconsumer or merchant to key in the account identifier or financialaccount data associated with the chip unit.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are process flow diagrams of a chip unit reader andmerchant computer communicating with a chip unit for purchasing abeverage. In the process of FIG. 6A, the account identifier is theidentification code of the chip unit. In the process of FIG. 6B, theaccount identifier is a financial account number or a stored valueaccount number that is stored in memory of the chip unit. In bothprocesses, steps are carried out in order to “wake up” and ensure properencryption between the chip unit and the merchant computer (via the chipunit reader) in order to establish a communication between the readerand the chip unit. While process steps 302, 304, 352 and 354 areillustrated to performed this initial “wake up” and encryption,additional or alternative steps can occur to carry out these functions.As indicated at process step 302, the chip unit reader transmits a“wake-up” code to the chip unit, and the chip unit responds 352. A datarequest is transmitted to the chip unit including a decryption passwordat process step 304. The memory of the chip unit is accessed todetermine whether the password is valid at step 354, e.g., by comparisonto the security password 37 of data storage memory 34 in the chip unit.Note that if the password is invalid, or the chip unit “wake up”function cannot be performed, the transaction ends and the customer canbe notified by an alert signal from the reader, the merchant computer,or an individual at the store.

In the process of FIG. 6A, process steps 301 are generally performed bythe merchant computer 50, e.g., under control of the purchasing module70, and the chip unit reader 51, and process steps 351 are generallyperformed by the chip unit 24, e.g., under control of the access module44 and transaction management module 48 of the chip unit program storagememory 32.

When a valid and encrypted communication is established between the chipunit reader and the chip unit, the merchant computer 50 retrieves theaccount identifier, i.e., the chip unit identification code 35, from thedata storage memory 34 of the chip unit 24, as indicated at steps 306and 356. In step 306, the reader 51 transmits a request to retrieve theaccount identifier stored in the chip unit memory 35. In step 356, thecontroller 30 of the chip unit responds by retrieving the stored accountidentifier and transmitting the retrieved value to the reader 51. Inembodiments in which the account identifier includes associated customerpreference data 82, this information is used to automatically choose thetype of beverage and their preferences. For instance, if the customer'spreference is a particular type of coffee with milk and sugar, thisinformation is conveyed to an automatic dispenser, or to an individualpreparing the customer's order. Alternatively, even if this data ispresent, the customer may wish to bypass this step and choose adifferent beverage or preference.

Next, as indicated at step 310, the customer account data is accessedfrom listing 78 stored in the data storage memory 66 of the merchantcomputer 50. The transaction is processed using this associated accountdata, indicated at step 312. An electronic receipt confirming thetransaction can be generated and sent to the customer via the electronicaddress provided as indicated at step 314. Finally, if the customer isenrolled in a loyalty program, these loyalty rewards can be generatedand stored in customer loyalty data 84 in the data storage memory 66 ofthe merchant computer 50. Loyalty data can include, for example, gratisbeverages after a predetermined number of purchases or dollar amount,other gifts, or a donation, for instance, based on the amount of moneysaved by using their beverage holder in contrast to a disposable cup.

In the process of FIG. 6B, process steps 321 are generally performed bythe merchant computer 50, e.g., under control of the purchasing module70, and the chip unit reader 51, and process steps 371 are generallyperformed by the chip unit 24, e.g., under control of the access module44 and transaction management module 48 of the chip unit program storagememory 32.

When a valid and encrypted communication is established between the chipunit reader and the chip unit, the merchant computer 50 requestscustomer preference data 42, if available, from the chip unit datastorage memory 34 and applies this information to the purchase.Specifically, in step 328, the reader 51, under the control of themerchant computer 50, transmits a request to retrieve the customer'sbeverage preference data stored in the chip unit memory 42. In step 308,the controller 30 of the chip unit responds by retrieving the storedbeverage preference data and transmitting the retrieved data to thereader 51. Alternatively, even if this data is present, the customer maywish to bypass this step and choose a different beverage or preference.In step 328, the transmitted request also contains a request to sendcustomer account data.

Next, as indicated at steps 330 and 374, the customer account data istransmitted from financial account data 36 (and available fund data 38,if any) stored in the chip unit data storage memory 34. The account datatypically includes an account number, name on the account and expirationdate of the account. The transaction is processed using this accountdata, indicated at step 332. In embodiments in which the account datarepresents stored value, the transaction amount is deducted from theavailable fund data 38. This is done by the reader 51 sending a messageto reduce the available balance by the cost of the beverage beingpurchased.

An electronic receipt confirming the transaction can be generated by themerchant computer 50 and sent to the customer via the electronic addresstransmitted from the customer electronic address data 40 as indicated atsteps 334 and 376. In step 334, the merchant computer 50 generates theelectronic receipt confirming the transaction and issues a request toretrieve an electronic address from the chip unit memory 34 through thereader 51. In step 376, the controller 30 of the chip unit 51 respondsby retrieving the stored electronic address and transmitting theretrieved data to the reader 51.

Finally, if the customer is enrolled in a loyalty program, these loyaltyrewards can be generated and stored in customer loyalty data 43.Specifically, in step 336, the merchant computer 50 generates theloyalty points corresponding to the purchase amount and transmits thesame to the chip unit 24 through the reader 51. In step 378, thecontroller 30 of the chip unit 51 responds by adding the loyalty pointsto the data stored in memory 43 and sends an acknowledgement to thereader 51.

The use of the chip unit 24 can be based on a specified period of timeor a number of refills. Accordingly, data can be stored in the chip unit24 or in the merchant computer 50 that indicates the expiration of thechip unit, and the customer is notified at or prior to the expiration.

In addition to providing a chip unit attached to a beverage holder, asillustrated with respect to FIG. 1, alternative embodiments of thebeverage holder are possible. For instance, various accessories can beprovided that are removably attached to a beverage holder. Referring toFIG. 7A, a removable band 402 can be provided, formed of a suitableelectrically insulating material and configured to fit over the body ofa beverage holder 22 as shown in FIG. 7B. The chip unit 24 can beembedded in this band 402 or inserted into a sleeve thereon.Accordingly, a customer can purchase the band 402 with the attached chipunit 24 and configure it for purchase using the methods described withrespect to FIGS. 5A or 5B. The band can be removed from the beverageholder 22, for instance, when it has exceeded its useful lifetime, orwhen the customer desired to wash the beverage holder.

Referring to FIG. 8A, a removable base 404 can be provided, formed of asuitable insulating material and configured to fit on the base of abeverage holder 22 as shown in FIG. 8B. The chip unit 24 can be embeddedin this removable base (bottom portion) 404, or can be inserted.Accordingly, a customer can purchase a separate chip unit 24 andconfigure it for purchase using the methods described with respect toFIGS. 5A or 5B, and insert the configured chip unit into the removablebase 404. The chip unit or the base 404 can be removed from the beverageholder 22, for instance, when it has exceeded its useful lifetime orwhen the customer desired to wash the beverage holder.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show another embodiment of the present invention inwhich a display 508 is integrated on the beverage holder and is coupledto the controller 30 of the chip unit 24. A switch 504 is coupled tocontroller 30 of the chip unit 24 to activate/deactivate a display 508for displaying the transaction value, available funds retrieved from thememory 38, number of uses or remaining uses, or other data associatedwith the data storage portion 34 of the chip unit memory 26.

FIG. 10 depicts a form factor of a card 515 having a removable chip unit24 that can be configured for use with a beverage holder apparatus oraccessory for a beverage holder apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention. For instance, a customer can purchase the card515, activate and configure it according to the methods described withrespect to FIGS. 5A or 5B, and insert it into a slot or other locationon the beverage holder apparatus or accessory for the beverage holderapparatus.

FIG. 11 shows a beverage holder apparatus in which the chip unit isremovably attached in a recessed region 712 that is positioned behind anaccess door 710. Recessed region 712 is configured and dimensioned totightly receive the chip unit, e.g., purchased separately by a customerusing the form factor card 515. When closed, the access door 710 can beflush with the body of the beverage holder.

FIG. 12 shows another embodiment of an accessory band 802 for attachmentto a beverage holder. A slot 822 is configured and dimensioned totightly receive the chip unit, e.g., purchased separately by a customerusing the form factor card 515.

The foregoing specific embodiments represent just some of the ways ofpracticing the present invention. Many other embodiments are possiblewithin the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of theinvention is not limited to the foregoing specification, but instead isgiven by the appended claims along with their full range of equivalents.

1. A beverage holder apparatus comprising: a holder for holding abeverage; and a chip unit attached to the holder and adapted tocommunicate with a chip unit reader to perform a payment transaction topurchase the beverage.
 2. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the chip unit stores an account identifier associated with afinancial account that is used to perform the payment transaction; andthe chip unit transmits the stored account identifier to the chip unitreader.
 3. A system comprising: a beverage holder apparatus of claim 2;and a chip unit reader for receiving the account identifier from thechip unit of the beverage holder to perform a payment transaction topurchase the beverage.
 4. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a bar code disposed on the holder and associated withthe account identifier.
 5. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 1,wherein the chip unit is a contactless chip unit storing an accountidentifier and is adapted to communicate with the chip unit reader in acontactless manner.
 6. The beverage holder of claim 1, wherein the chipunit stores an account identifier associated with a credit card account,debit card account or a prepaid account of a user.
 7. The beverageholder apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chip unit stores: an accountidentifier that identifies a financial account from which a payment ismade; and data related to the financial account including a user name.8. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chip unitincludes a stored value account chip that stores available fund data. 9.The beverage holder apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a displayunit that displays the available fund data.
 10. The beverage holderapparatus of claim 1, wherein the chip unit stores an electronic addressto which a merchant computer transmits a receipt for purchasing thebeverage.
 11. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 10, wherein thechip unit stores beverage preference data for transmission to the chipunit reader during the purchase of the beverage.
 12. The beverage holderapparatus of claim 1, further comprising an electrically insulating bandhaving a sleeve for receiving the chip unit.
 13. The beverage holderapparatus of claim 1, wherein the holder includes a removable bottomportion having an insertion region for securing the chip unit.
 14. Abeverage holder apparatus comprising: a holder for holding a beverage;and a contactless chip unit attached to the holder and including amemory storing an account identifier associated with a financialaccount. an interface that communicates with a chip unit reader in acontactless manner; and a controller coupled to the memory and theinterface, the controller adapted to transmit the stored accountidentifier to the chip unit reader through the interface to perform apayment transaction to purchase the beverage.
 15. The beverage holderapparatus of claim 14, wherein: the memory further stores data relatedto the financial account including a user name; and the controller isadapted to transmit the stored user name to the chip unit reader throughthe interface during the payment transaction.
 16. The beverage holderapparatus of claim 14, wherein the contactless chip unit is a storedvalue account chip, and the memory further stores available fund data.17. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 14, the memory further storesan electronic address to which a merchant computer transmits a receiptfor purchasing the beverage.
 18. The beverage holder apparatus of claim14, wherein the memory further stores beverage preference data fortransmission to the chip unit reader during the purchase of thebeverage.
 19. The beverage holder apparatus of claim 14, furthercomprising an electrically insulating band disposed around the holderand having a sleeve for receiving the chip unit.
 20. The beverage holderapparatus of claim 14, further comprising a bar code disposed on theholder and associated with the account identifier.
 21. The beverageholder apparatus of claim 14, wherein the holder includes a removablebottom portion having an insertion region for securing the chip unit.22. A method for performing a payment transaction to purchase a beveragecomprising: establishing a contactless communication with a contactlesschip reader by a contactless chip unit attached to a beverage holder forholding a beverage; retrieving an account identifier stored in a memoryof the contactless chip unit; transmitting the retrieved accountidentifier to the contactless chip reader to perform a paymenttransaction to purchase the beverage.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the contactless chip unit includes a stored value account chipstoring an available fund data, further comprising storing a newavailable fund data which has been reduced by the amount of thepurchase.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the contactless chip unitincludes a stored value account chip storing an available fund data,further comprising displaying, on a display unit disposed on thebeverage holder, the available fund data stored in a memory of thestored value account chip.
 25. The method of claim 22, wherein theaccount identifier is an identifier that identifies a financial accountfrom which a payment is made, and the step of transmitting includestransmitting the retrieved financial account identifier to thecontactless chip reader.
 26. The method of claim 22, wherein: the memoryof the contactless chip unit stores an electronic address to which amerchant computer can for purchasing the beverage; the step oftransmitting includes transmitting the electronic address to thecontactless chip reader.
 27. The method of claim 22, wherein: the memoryof the contactless chip unit stores a beverage preference data; the stepof transmitting includes transmitting the beverage preference data tothe contactless chip reader.